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DNR Reminds Early Season Trout Anglers about Invasive Species Published on 01/23/2023 under News

Early trout season is underway and the DNR is using the opener as another reminder for anglers to take steps to avoid spreading invasive species.

They note that if care is not taken, invasive species can accidentally be transferred to different bodies of water. That's because some small animals, eggs, seeds, and fragments of invasive plants can survive throughout winter under the ice.

The DNR highlighted New Zealand mudsnails which have one of the highest potentials of spreading from one water to another. Only 4-6 millimeters in length, they can easily get stuck in the mud and picked up on boots, waders and gear. Felt-soled boots are particularly susceptible to these snails as they can lodge into and under the felt. The snails can live in the mud along the shore, so they can be spread without ever stepping foot into the water.

Anglers can make a difference with a few preventative steps, largely through cleaning fishing gear. The cold Wisconsin winters may help. The DNR encourages anglers to leave fishing gear where it can freeze for 8 hours or more. Otherwise anglers can clean gear by steam or a soak in hot (140 degree) water or in water with a cleaning solution.

Extra cautious trout anglers can also switch to a new set of gear when visiting multiple streams on the same trip.

As for the early trout season in our area:

•Lincoln County-streams west of Highway 51 and the Prairie River downstream of County J
•Oneida County-streams west of Highway 51 and the Bearskin Creek
•Langlade County-the Wolf River
•Vilas County-Mishonagon Creek

In Other News

Rhinelander Prepares for Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday

Published on 09/18/2026 under News While the Rhinelander community typically embraces Hodag green, the Hodag Dome will turn purple this weekend as residents gather to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Organizers are putting the finishing touches on the local Walk to End Alzheimer's, scheduled for Saturday morning. The event is already off to a strong start, with nearly 350 people registered. More than 60 teams have raised $148,000, or 72% of the event's $206,000 fundraising goal. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association, supporting families affected by the disease while funding research toward treatments and prevention. Julie St. Pierre with the Alzheimer's Association called this a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer's. "With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope," St. Pierre said. "Together, we can build a brain-healthy future and help end this disease." One of the morning's key highlights is the Promise Garden Ceremony, where participants carry distinctively colored flowers to represent their personal connection to the cause—whether they are living with the disease, caring for a loved one, or honoring someone they lost. In addition to the Rhinelander event, another walk is taking place Saturday in Antigo, with Wausau hosting its walk next weekend.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News Combining modern transportation with vintage charm, and built right in the Northwoods, a local product is in the running for the latest edition of the "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin." Crandon's Hometown Manufacturing is featured in the annual contest for its trackless trolley buses. Designed to mimic classic 19th-century streetcars, these custom-built vehicles are crafted locally and now operate in more than 300 communities nationwide. Hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, this year's contest features over 107 nominees showcasing the state's $73 billion manufacturing sector. The small-town company faces stiff competition from iconic Wisconsin brands, ranging from Ariens zero-turn mowers to classic yellow foam Cheeseheads. The lineup also the food and beverage industry, such as Kikkoman soy sauce, Jack Link's jerky, and Kwik Trip Glazer donuts. Public voting kicks off Monday to narrow the field down to the top 16, who will then compete in a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament until the winner is crowned on October 27th. Supporters can view all nominees and cast their votes starting Monday at madeinwis.com.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News The Merrill Fire Department is providing some mutual aid to first responders more than 2,000 miles away. The Merrill Fire Department contributed locally retired turnout gear to the non-profit organization Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners. Firefighters dropped off the protective equipment at the group's Stevens Point hub, where it's now being packed up for Central American crews in urgent need of protective gear. Merrill firefighters shared on social media that they were "glad to pay it forward," while program organizers expressed their thanks to Chief Josh Klug and the crew for delivering the life-saving haul and giving the equipment a second life. Since 1965, the organization has connected local volunteers and donors with critical projects in Nicaragua. Along with fire equipment, the group ships essential goods collected from across the state. The latest haul also included bicycles from Campus Cycle. Thanks to the team in Merrill, gear retired in Lincoln County will continue to save lives.

Published on 09/18/2026 under News Despite slight improvements statewide, the Northwoods drought is expanding. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released on Thursdays, shows persistent dryness across Wisconsin, with more than 86% of the state experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. That marks a slight improvement from 92% last week, driven primarily by rainfall in southern counties. It's the opposite in the Northwoods as drought conditions have expanded. A growing pocket of extreme drought now covers most of Price, Iron, Oneida, and Vilas Counties, while the remainder of northern Wisconsin is classified as experiencing moderate to severe drought. The prolonged dry spell has impacted local farms and gardens, lowered water levels on area lakes and rivers, and elevated the risk of wildfires. Forecasters expect dry conditions to linger as fall approaches.

Published on 09/17/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' swimmers had their closest Conference dual meet of the season, losing at home to Ladysmith Thursday, 66-56. Tomahawk as a team had three first-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich had two of them, coming in the 50 and 200 yard freestyles. Aubrey Tollefson placed first in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:27.09. The loss drops Tomahawk to 0-6 in Dual meets this season. The Hatchets are back in the pool next Thursday for another GNC Dual meet against Antigo. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad's struggles would continue at the Hatchet House Thursday night as they would lose to non-conference perennial powerhouse Stratford, 25-22, 25-14, 25-16. Despite the strong start, the Hatchets were unable to overcome the consistent power and strength of the Tigers. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-14 on the season and 0-3 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for a Great Northern Conference match in Antigo Tuesday. The match will be broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Prematch Show at 6:35 and First serve at 7:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 09/17/2026 under News With nearly a half-century of tradition, the Tomahawk Fall Ride will welcome tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the Northwoods this weekend. This year's 45th anniversary edition of the Fall Ride looks remarkably different from its humble origins in the early 1980s. The event began when a few dozen local riders gathered for an October cruise and a cookout to enjoy the changing leaves. Before long, organizers shifted the gathering to mid-September to avoid Wisconsin's unpredictable autumn weather. The event quickly gained momentum, transforming that small local gathering into a community-wide celebration that now draws an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors to the Tomahawk area each September. Tomahawk's connection to motorcycles dates back even further than the Fall Ride itself, as the city is home to two Harley-Davidson production facilities. The first dates back early 1960's. To celebrate this legacy, the Tomahawk Historical Society is opening a special exhibit tracing the intersection of Harley-Davidson, the Fall Ride, and the community's history. Featuring vintage photographs, embroidered event patches, memorabilia, classic signage, and decades of archived press clippings, the display offers a nostalgic look back at how a small group outing became a Northwoods institution. The exhibit will be open during special hours this Friday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm. They've also been posting historical photos throughout the week on their Facebook Page. As for the Fall Ride itself, a key highlight takes place Thursday evening with the Tomahawk Chamber's Bonfire and Bratfry at SARA Park, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to the weekend.

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Published on 09/17/2026 under News As Wisconsin's temperatures begin to cool; snakes, turtles and frogs are making their risky annual migration across local roads, and the DNR is calling on drivers to report them. The Wisconsin DNR is reliant upon citizen scientists to help monitor populations of animals of all sizes by reporting their observations. Their latest effort is for herptiles which includes reptiles and amphibians including frogs and toads; salamanders and lizards; snakes and turtles. With summer winding down and temperatures starting to drop, they are beginning their annual fall migration from summer breeding spots and feeding locations to their winter hibernation homes. That journey often means risky trips across roads and trails. Others might simply crawl onto the pavement to soak up the sun. By logging sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on or near Wisconsin roads, you can help researchers pinpoint where they live, and ultimately save more of them down the line. DNR Conservation Zoologist Rich Staffen says, "By identifying high-mortality areas on our roads, we know exactly where to step in with safety measures to protect crossing animals." Whether you spot a live turtle making a slow dash across the asphalt or run across animals that didn't make it, the DNR wants to know. You can quickly submit your observations using the reporting form (reptiles and amphibians) or (turtles) .

Published on 09/17/2026 under News September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and two local health organizations are teaming up to give Lincoln County residents the tools to save lives. Aspirus Health and the Lincoln County Health Department are hosting a free community workshop called "CALM Conversations." The event takes place next Thursday evening at 5pm at the Lincoln County Sports Club in Merrill. No prior mental health experience is needed. The introductory session teaches adults how to have supportive, non-judgmental conversations with friends or family members who may be struggling. It also focuses on how temporarily putting time and distance between an at-risk person and lethal means can prevent suicide. The workshop is free, but they ask that participants register due to limited space. That deadline is Monday. Contact Kristin at 715-539-1373 or kristin.bath@co.lincoln.wi.us.

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